One hundred, fifty people a day. Every day
– 365 days a year. According to the American Cancer Society,
that’s the number of people who die every 24 hours from cancer.
This deadly disease has touched nearly everyone, and almost
everyone knows someone with cancer or has battled the deadly
disease themselves. One in three Americans will be struck with
cancer and approximately 170 county residents will be diagnosed
with cancer this year.
One hundred, fifty people a day. Every day – 365 days a year. According to the American Cancer Society, that’s the number of people who die every 24 hours from cancer.
This deadly disease has touched nearly everyone, and almost everyone knows someone with cancer or has battled the deadly disease themselves. One in three Americans will be struck with cancer and approximately 170 county residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
Finding ways to treat the disease is a cause everyone can support – and we’re proud of how thoroughly this community has rallied behind Relay For Life, the signature activity for the American Cancer Society.
This unique fund-raising event brings communities together for a cause and a chance to participate in the fight against the deadly disease. The fund-raiser asks teams to gather pledges and to keep at least one member walking during the 24-hour event, which symbolizes the 24-hour-a-day battle waged by cancer patients for survival.
San Benito County played host to its first Relay For Life in the summer of 1999, and has struck inspiration and hope ever since, raising more than $255,000. And once again, residents will gather – this Friday and Saturday at San Benito High School – to join in the fight against cancer.
If you haven’t participated, you’re really missing out on a great time. Teams pitch tents and create a festival atmosphere. From music to food, from themed laps to children’s activities, from camping out to pitching in, everyone has a good time.
Relay For Life began in May 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt, an avid runner, took the first step of his 24-hour walk/run around a track in Washington state and in 83 miles raised $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. The following year, the event grew from one man to 220 supporters and the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life was born. Since then, it has spread to 3,800 communities in the United States and eight foreign countries.
Though teams have been organized, it’s never too late to join this everyday battle. A person with a determination, a will to help in the fight, is always welcome. Stop by. Opening ceremonies begin at 5 p.m. Take a step. Complete a lap or miles, and make a donation.
Relay For Life requires community involvement to make it a success, and this community has rallied for the cause. Its dollars, its steps, its laps and its miles is what brings the cure for cancer one step – by step – closer to home.
For more information about this year’s Relay For Life, call 637-9209 or the American Cancer Society at
623-2501.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to
ed****@fr***********.com
